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Heisman Trophy winners Newton, Palmer meet in NFC title game

FILE - At left, in Nov. 29, 2015, file photo, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) runs for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif. At right, in a Dec. 20, 2015, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) plays during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona and Carolina play in the NFC Championship game on Sunday, Jan. 24, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/File)
FILE - At left, in Nov. 29, 2015, file photo, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) runs for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif. At right, in a Dec. 20, 2015, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) plays during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona and Carolina play in the NFC Championship game on Sunday, Jan. 24, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/File)

By Associated Press 5 min read

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Cam Newton and Carson Palmer have a few things in common.

Both were Heisman Trophy winners. Both were No. 1 overall draft picks. And both have strong arms, each throwing for 35 touchdown passes this season while positioning themselves as league MVP candidates. Palmer’s Arizona Cardinals finished the regular season first in the league in offense, while Newton’s Carolina Panthers were No. 1 in points scored.

But that’s about where the similarities end.

Palmer is a pocket passer with a fairly calm demeanor, while Newton is a fun-loving athlete who can beat you with his arm and his feet – no QB in NFL history has run for more TDs – and then let you know it by “dabbing” in the end zone.

On Sunday, the two QBs with similar accolades but varying styles meet when the Panthers host the Cardinals in the NFC Championship game, with a berth in the Super Bowl at stake. It’s the first time two Heisman-winning quarterbacks have met in a postseason game.